Your pet's welfare while travelling

​General travel advice

first of all, you should consider getting advice from your vet on how best to transport your pet and protect their welfare

before the journey ensure your pet has received all the relevant vaccines

remember to tell the airline or ferry operator that you wish to travel with your pet

your pet should be healthy and fit for the journey - an animal is not normally fit to transport if it is ill or injured (except for minor illness or injury)

Travelling by ferry

try to get to the port early so that the carrier can give you the most suitable position in the car deck for your pet

during hot weather, if possible travel overnight when the temperature may be cooler

make sure that the ferry company officials know that there is a live animal in your car

before you leave your car, make sure that your pet has enough ventilation. Normally you will need to leave at least one of the windows partly open, but it is important to make sure your pet cannot escape

make sure your pet is comfortable and has enough water; and never leave your pet in a car in direct strong sunshine or high temperatures

For safety reasons, you are not normally able to visit the vehicle decks while the ferry is at sea. Ask the ferry company for a copy of their access policy.

Travelling by air

pets travelling by air should be in a suitably approved International Air Transport Association (IATA) container which is clean, and leak and escape proof. The container must have enough space for the animal to be able to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect and to lie in a natural position

check with your airline that they are prepared to take your pet and ask them what they require

some airlines ask for a private fitness to travel certificate which your vet can issue